Lung Function Unit Patient Information Leaflet

Transcription

1 Routine Lung Function Tests Lung Function Unit Patient Information Leaflet

2 Introduction This booklet aims to provide general information before your visit on the routine lung function tests carried out by the lung function unit. It does not replace the need for personal advice from a healthcare professional so please ask us if you have any questions at the time of your test. What are routine lung function tests? These are non-invasive simple tests on your breathing so that the doctor can see how well your lungs are working. What happens during routine lung function tests? During the routine lung function tests you will be seated on a chair either outside or inside a glass-enclosed booth. You will be asked to wear a nose clip so that no air escapes through your nose and then will breathe into a sterile filtered mouthpiece. The tests will usually be repeated to get your best measurement. Before the tests start the physiologist (technician) will explain the tests to you in detail and will answer any questions that you may have. Below is a brief guide to the types of tests that are carried out. Spirometry / Flow Volume Loop This test shows how well you breathe in and out. You will be asked to take as deep a breath in as you can and to blast it out as hard and long as you can. Gas Transfer Factor This test determines how well gases such as oxygen move from your lungs into your blood. You will be asked to breathe in, hold your breath for about 10 seconds and then breathe out again. Lung Volumes This test can give us information on how big or small your lungs are. It involves breathing in and out normally for a few minutes against a small resistance of air produced by our testing machine. Page 2

3 Why do I need the lung function tests? You may have been referred by your GP or specialist consultant because you have been experiencing symptoms relating to your breathing or a chest problem. Sometimes these tests are also needed to see how well the lungs are working in people who need lung surgery or radical radiotherapy to the chest. How do I prepare for the tests? Don t smoke for 24 hours prior to the tests. Don t consume alcohol for four hours before the tests. Don t eat a large meal for two hours before the tests. Avoid any vigorous exercise for 30 minutes before the tests. Wear loose-fitting clothing during the tests to allow your chest to expand freely. The results of your tests may be affected by all of these factors. What should I tell you when I come for the tests? Please tell us if any of the following apply to you: You have coughed up any blood in the last two months. You have had any surgery in the last two months (including eye surgery). You have taken any medicine for chest pain in the last month. You have been told by a doctor you have a blood clot. You have had a heart attack in the last two months. You have a current chest infection requiring antibiotic treatment. You have been told by your doctor that you have a collapsed lung, a broken or cracked rib or a problem with your neck vertebrae. You feel unwell on the day of the test. Are there any risks? There are no known risks associated with these tests however some of the breathing tests may be tiring. You will be given time to recover between and after the tests. Page 3

4 How long do the tests take? The full test procedure takes between 20 to 45 minutes. What happens if I am taking inhalers and other medication? The doctor may want us to check your breathing response to certain types of inhaled medication by measuring your breathing before and after taking inhalers or nebulisers. This is why we ask you to stop taking the medications listed at the bottom of the appointment letter before coming for the tests. If you find it difficult to manage without your inhaler, please use your bronchodilator and inform us on arrival. You can take all other medication as normal. When will I hear my results? If the tests were requested urgently by a respiratory consultant or other specialist within the team to help decide what treatment you should have, the results will be discussed with you as soon as they are available. You may be asked to come to the outpatient department at short notice. If the tests were not requested by one of the respiratory consultants, the results will need to be analysed by a respiratory consultant who will send a report to the doctor who referred you for the test. The results will be discussed with you at your next hospital appointment. If your next appointment is some time away and the tests show that your treatment needs to change then your hospital appointment may be brought forward or your GP may receive a letter asking them to speak to you. Do I have to have these tests? No. You don t have to have these tests but if you do not have them we will not be able to pass important information to your doctor which may affect the medical treatment that you receive. Page 4

5 Can I find out more? We hope that this booklet has answered questions that you may have about your breathing tests. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything further you would like to know. You can speak to one of the physiologists on Ext: Alternatively you may wish to make notes of any questions you would like to ask the physiologist at the time of the test. Please use this space for any notes you may wish to make: Page 5

6 If you have any questions or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet please contact: Lung Function Physiologists: Ext (24 hour answer phone) Lung Function Unit Russells Hall Hospital Dudley West Midlands DY1 2HQ Page 6

7 Originator: Harry Patel, Lead Physiologist Date originated: 17 February 2014 Date for review: 17 February 2017 Version 1 DGH ref: DGH/PIL/00941 Page 7